Role players are part of the game. Nothing excites the fans faster than a big hit that results in a quick goal. It is like a double-shot of excitement. Everybody is happy at the post-game party after a team effort win.

Mucker - A physical player who lacks finesse but gets the job done by forechecking, working the boards, etc. He is not afraid to do the dirty work. Usually used interchangeably or in connection with grinder.

Grinder - A player who digs deep, hustles to make plays. Usually better known for checking and disruption rather than scoring ability. Like a lineman in football, he works hard but rarely gets recognized for his hard work.

Panty Dropper – The pretty boy, hotdog, glory hound, and highly touted. He expects the right pass, his line mates are more like a supporting cast. Scores a ton of points but can end the season with a plus/minus rating of EVEN.

Everybody has a role in hockey, as we do in life. The building process of any team (or business) must include a strong foundation, a good work ethic, and a system everybody buys into. The problem is that we all are attracted to success, the flash bulbs, and the 100-point sniper. Every team needs go-to guys, don’t get me wrong, but teams are better off with four 40-pointers peppered onto three lines than a single guy racking up 100.

The Pantydroppers are not great for team chemistry but they are sometimes a necessary evil. Style points do not get onto the score sheet, and it is hard to get a pantydropper to back-check. The coach has to break down the tendencies to be a cherrypicker and get the player to be a force in all three zones. A coach that can do this will always be successful. Every pantydropper that transitions into being a stud is always thankful for the coach that broke him.

Author: Stephen Heisler from JuniorHockey.comStephen Heisler has spent a lifetime in the game of hockey. Stephen is also working with individual teams, coaches, and players as a director with Victorious Hockey Company. Stephen, his wife Deysi, and four children reside in Orlando, Florida.

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